Arsene Wenger: Give Jack Wilshere a break

The Gunners wonder-kid impressed during his first England start against Denmark on Wednesday.

But the 19-year-old could find himself playing in the European Under-21 Championship as well this summer, just days after starring in the senior side’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June.

And Wenger insists Fabio Capello should decide which team he is playing for and stick to it – or risk burning Wilshere out.

The Arsenal manager said: “You know my position. I always think that you cannot use a player in two different national teams.

“Once he’s moved up, if you move him down, you don’t help him at all. I believe that would be a bad move. Psychologically you feel you go down.”

Wilshere returns to domestic duties at home to Wolves today at the end of a week when the future success of the England national team has been linked to how he develops as a player.

England coach Capello has already confirmed he plans to name Wilshere in his squad for the Switzerland match.

But the fear for Wenger is that England want to use him in the Under-21 tournament in Denmark as well.

Wenger had an identical row with the FA two years ago over Theo Walcott.

Arsenal are convinced it didn’t help Walcott and they are worried about history repeating itself.

After featuring for the seniors, Walcott was picked for the 2009 European Under-21 Championship in Sweden, despite Wenger’s pleas to rest him.

Walcott then suffered an injury-hit 2009-10 season, where shoulder, back, knee and hamstring injuries saw him manage just 15 starts.

Wenger said: “It’s difficult to use a player in different teams. If you have a good player who’s talented, at the end of the day, when you come out of a long season it’s important you do not overload him.

“We had that situation before for Walcott. Once a player has moved up and you move him down again, it never works.”

Capello has argued that the tournament experience will be beneficial for all England’s youngsters.

Wenger said: “Maybe, but he can play him in a tournament if he qualifies for the European Championship.”